Enlil is said to be the god who appointed Humbaba protector of the cedar forest. In Tablet, 7 Enlil is the god who announces that Enkidu shall die for his part in the killing of Humbaba, the bull of heaven and cutting down the cedar forest. Knowing that Enlil wanted the forest protected why do you think he chooses Enkidu over Gilgamesh as the one to die? Do you think that Enkidu's previous knowledge of Humbaba and the forest plays a role in Enlil's decision? Does Enlil count Gilgamesh innocent because he did not originally know the story of Humbaba and the cedar forest?

Essay Topic 2

Discuss Tablet 5, Column 4, Line 6 which reads, "His tears [gushed forth] in streams." To whom does the line refer? Shamash was speaking in the lines just prior to this line. Gilgamesh is speaking in Line 7. There is no clear indication who is crying or why. Gilgamesh may be crying tears of joy because Humbaba has been defeated. Enkidu may be crying for no apparent reason. Humbaba, the demon, may even be crying because he has been defeated. Discuss the line and who you think could be the party responsible for crying.

Essay Topic 3

Gilgamesh begins lamenting for Enkidu at the earliest glimmer of morning light. When he walks the mountain paths he is in complete darkness but emerges into the radiant light of a garden. The emergence of a man from darkness into first light can be compared to rebirth and renewal. Consider these ideas and images while discussing Gilgamesh's grief process and Enkidu's burial.

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 371 words
(approx. 2 pages at 300 words per page)

View a FREE sample

More summaries and resources for teaching or studying The Epic of Gilgamesh.

View all Lesson Plans available from BookRags.

Copyrights

BookRags